Marc Márquez found himself at the centre of an unusual MotoGP controversy at the Japanese Grand Prix after sending a body double to take his place in a promotional kart race.
The Ducati rider was actually undergoing physiotherapy and icing his right arm after the extended Sunday warm-up, choosing to prioritise his physical condition ahead of the main race. His decision earned him a reprimand from MotoGP officials, but Márquez made no apology for putting his championship campaign first.
The kart race was introduced as a new fan-focused event during the Japanese GP weekend, giving MotoGP riders a chance to compete in a more relaxed setting away from their usual machines.
However, the schedule became increasingly crowded after Saturday's tyre issues led to changes for Sunday. The kart race was eventually squeezed between an extended warm-up session and the traditional riders' parade.
Somkiat Chantra went on to win the event ahead of Pedro Acosta, while Pramac riders Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jack Miller provided plenty of entertainment with their antics.
Márquez's absence, however, quickly became the biggest talking point.
A rider wearing Márquez's familiar helmet and gloves appeared in his place, but Jorge Martín was among those who immediately suspected something was wrong. Standing next to the supposed Márquez on the grid, Martín even attempted to lift the visor to confirm his suspicions.
He was right. Márquez was elsewhere receiving treatment for his right arm.
"After the warm-up I needed ice [on my right arm]," Márquez explained. "Someone came out and said it would be cool to send a doppelganger, and we did it."
The stunt may have provided some entertainment, but it did not go unnoticed by MotoGP officials.
"They told me off," Márquez admitted.
Still, the six-time MotoGP champion defended his decision, arguing that his priority had to be being physically ready for the race rather than taking part in an additional activity.
"At this moment you have to be selfish and perform at your maximum when it matters, which is in the races," Márquez said.
Martín, who was competing against Márquez in the championship battle, was surprisingly sympathetic.
"I spotted it quickly, I knew it wasn't Marc," Martín said.
The Pramac rider also admitted that he had his own doubts about participating in the kart race when it was first announced. For riders competing at the highest level, even a fun karting session carries a degree of risk, particularly so close to a Grand Prix.
"These guys are very crazy, and any hit from behind or whatever can leave you affected for the race," Martín explained.
That concern is especially relevant during a championship fight, where a minor injury or unnecessary crash during an off-track activity could have major consequences.
Márquez ultimately chose the safer option. While the body-double stunt earned him a telling-off from MotoGP, his decision reflected the priorities of a rider with a championship to fight for.
In a sport where riders regularly push their bodies to the limit, even a seemingly harmless promotional event can present an unwanted risk. For Márquez, protecting his condition ahead of the Japanese GP race was clearly worth bending the rules for a little extra fun.
